Mets recall Dominic Smith from Triple-A

Back on the final day of May, the New York Mets optioned popular first baseman and outfielder Dominic Smith to Triple-A Syracuse amid his well-noted struggles at the plate. At the time of the demotion, Smith was batting just .186, and he hadn't hit a single home run on the season. 

The 27-year-old is receiving another opportunity with the big-league club before the start of the summer months. 

According to The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), the Mets promoted Smith and placed right-handed relief pitcher Seth Lugo on the paternity list ahead of Monday afternoon's home game against the Miami Marlins. The AP notes that New York's roster moves occurred as the league officially began limiting clubs to 13 pitchers on active rosters. 

Additionally, left-hander David Peterson, who started Monday versus Miami, is expected to head to the paternity list soon. 

Per Scott Thompson of SNY and the AP, Smith slashed .266/.347/.438 with two home runs, five doubles and 10 RBI in 15 games at Triple-A. The hope, moving forward, is that he reclaimed some lost confidence and will earn a longer stay with the Mets, who began Monday at 44-24 and with a 5.5-game lead over the second-place Atlanta Braves in the National League East standings.